A study of rationality and technology; in the actions of Tomás Terry Adams in Cienfuegos (1830-1882)

Abstract

The 19th century in Cienfuegos was a significant period, marking the town's entry into modernity and the conquest of its territory by its historical figures. This study examines how Tomás Terry Adams, an immigrant, not only conquered and assimilated the Cienfuegos landscape between 1830 and 1882, but also applied rational, instrumental, and practical strategies that allowed him to expand into different spheres, amass wealth, and engage in other businesses. In other words, he progressed from smaller to larger enterprises, eventually entering the sugar industry and making far-reaching investments that extended beyond national, continental, and European borders. The logical-historical method was used to interpret the sources that reveal the individual's actions, based on his engagement with reality and assimilation of the context. Analytical-synthetic and inductive-deductive methods were employed to process the information and connect the relevant content. The results of the investigation refer to the way of proceeding of this Venezuelan, which is based on the instrumental rationality that supports his actions, which contributed to the formation of a millionaire fortune that he bequeathed to his generations.